Madeline Crawford and Jeremy Whitman novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193

“Hey, Jackie? Do you know why one plus one equals two?

“Why do two apples plus one banana equals three?

“Jackie, Jackie. Do you like mushrooms?”

As if transforming into the Book of Questions, Lily began to ask Jackson one question after another with her round eyes shining with curiosity and life.

Jackson may only be five years old, but he appeared much more mature.

He seriously tried to answer every one of Lily’s questions. He would repeat himself patiently when Lily showed even the slightest bit of confusion.

Madeline had initially been afraid that something would go wrong should Lily and Jackson become friends.

Yet the sight in front of her quelled those worries, for Jackson was acting like an understanding brother who loved his younger sister without limits. The heartwarming sight melted her heart.

However, Madeline’s smile did not last too long.

Perhaps Lillian would have a sister who loved her if her first child was still alive.

Perhaps she would be privy to such a heartwarming scene.

“Do you want to play hide and seek, Jackie?” Lily stretched a hand toward Jackson.

After hesitating for a moment, Jackson took Lily’s hand. “Okay. I’ll play with you.”

Madeline found his voice childish but unusual when he opened his mouth to speak.

Yet that was not the only problem. Jackson did not seem to know how to smile, and that was very wrong.

He had not smiled once ever since they returned.

Such was not the behavior of a normal child.

Befuddled, Madeline placed the freshly baked cake and orange juice on the coffee table. Before she could search for the kids, her phone rang.

Reading the caller ID, she accepted the call.

“It’s alright, baby. Mommy’s here.” Madeline comforted Lily before walking over to squat in front of Jackson.

“What’s wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

Jackson shook at the touch and hugged himself tighter in fear.

Madeline felt her heart tighten at the strange reaction, her worry doubling. “Don’t be afraid, Jackson. Aunty Vera won’t hurt you.”

Madeline reached out again to place a hand on Jackson’s shoulder.

Jackson finally raised his head. His complexion was pale and his expression looked lost. His round eyes were brimming with tears.

For a reason unbeknownst to her, Madeline felt her heart break at the sight. The feeling resembled the time when she was forcefully inducted into labor. Her heart stabbed with a pain that was akin to losing a child.

Her hand slowly rose to softly pat Jackson’s head, her tone warm and soft as she said, “What’s wrong, Jackson? Did something upset you? You can tell Aunty Vera. It’s alright, shh. It’s going to be okay. Aunty Vera’s here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Jackson’s eyes reddened as he watched Madeline comfort him. His small lips pursed as he dove into Madeline’s arms. His voice trembled as he shook. He called out to Madeline. “Mom…”